New Arsenal signing Rob Holding impresses as Arsene Wenger weighs up his defensive options ahead of Liverpool clash

Good impression: Holding scored on his second appearance for Arsenal
Jeff Gross/Getty Images
Standard Sport1 August 2016

Arsene Wenger has heaped praise on new signing Rob Holding after the centre back scored on his second appearance for the club, against Chivas last night.

Arsenal made it three wins from three games with a 3-1 triumph in California.

The defender, who signed from Bolton Wanderers nine days ago, put the Gunners ahead following a neat cut-back from Callum Chambers.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain doubled their lead before Chuba Akpon added a third, with Chivas scoring a consolation from the penalty spot through Angel Zaldivar.

Speaking to the press after the match, Wenger was full of praise for Holding.

“I am impressed by his performances and by his capacity to adapt very quickly to a higher level,” said Wenger after the match. “He shows intelligence, composure, character and it’s impressive. You do not see that often.”

And Holding could yet play himself into contention for Arsenal’s Premier League opener against Liverpool in a fortnight’s time, with Wenger short on options in defence.

Arsenal fear that Per Mertesacker could be sidelined for up to five months with a knee injury, while Gabriel is recovering from a bout of tonsillitis.

Arsenal away and third kit launch in LA

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Laurent Koscileny, meanwhile, is yet to return from his holiday following his Euro 2016 exploits with France.

FACTIFILE | Rob Holding

Age: 20 (Born 20 Sep, 1995)
Place of birth: Tameside, England
Nationality: English
Date Signed: 22 Jul, 2016 (from Bolton)
Position: Centre back

“At the moment we have Per Mertesacker out and we have Laurent Koscielny still on holiday, plus Gabriel.

“One of them will play at the start of the season or at least be in the squad. At the moment I have a look at everybody and after I will make my final decision.

“But as you just said, it’s true that Holding adapted very quickly. All the three have top quality and all the three miss a little bit of experience. I’ll have to make a decision in two weeks.”

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